Royal Summons

The morning sun barely peeked over the horizon, casting long, hesitant shadows across the capital. The air was thick with the tension of the impending summons, but Riven moved through the city with an easy grace, dressed in simple black student robes. His presence alone was enough to attract whispers, but without the usual grandeur of noble attire, he was merely another figure in the crowd.

His generals, however, played their roles perfectly.

Krux, clad in worn mercenary gear, lingered near the academy gates like a common sellsword waiting for their employer. Nyx, draped in a traveler's cloak, remained perched on a rooftop nearby, her sharp eyes scanning the city streets for any sign of trouble. Aria, unseen but ever-present, walked in the shadows, her daggers concealed beneath the folds of her cloak.

The illusion was perfect.

To any observer, Riven was merely a noble student taking extra precautions, his 'hired guards' standing at a respectful distance.